Acclimatization | Ladakh Trip Planner

Acclimatization is one of the important things to prepare for while planning trip to Ladakh. The fact that Leh and most of the places in Ladakh are located above the altitude of 10,000 feet, visitors may suffer from dizziness, headaches or even acute mountain sickness (AMS). So planning to acclimatize to the high altitude condition becomes one of the most important things to take into consideration while you are planning your trip to Ladakh.

The best thing about going to Ladakh, nestled amidst the mountain ranges of the Himalayas and The Karakoram, is the breathtaking view. But there are some issues which travelers to such high-altitude face. They complain of vomiting, dizziness etc. these symptoms do not give you a chance to enjoy yourself. Some people can deal with them while the others really suffer because of them.

If one flies or drives to a higher altitude directly, then sickness during Ladakh trip is pretty common. One has to experience quite extreme consequences. If one goes higher, things can get more serious. Therefore, before you set your foot out of your house to go to Ladakh, you should be aware what altitude sickness is and how to save yourself from it.

Cause of AMS

Scarcity of oxygen at a great height is the major cause of Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh. Decreased air pressure and lower levels of oxygen are quite common at higher altitude. When you scale such heights, your body may not get enough time to adapt to the changing surroundings. This is what leads to acute mountain sickness. Beside this, the level of exertion you undergo also plays an important role. Activities which demand great physical efforts like trekking, hiking, mountaineering contribute towards causing AMS at great heights.

Symptoms of AMS

The symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh may resemble to that of the carbon monoxide poisoning, flu or a hangover. Fatigue, headache, stomach illness, sleep disturbance, nausea, stomach illness and dizziness are other common symptoms of AMS.

Depending from person to person, the symptoms may also vary. Some may confront headache with swelling of feet, hands and face. While other may have nose bleeding accompanied with headache.

Usually these symptoms may last till two days or a week, a few of them may indicate life-threatening AMS. The symptoms which indicate such a situation are related to cerebral edema and pulmonary edema.

Medicine to take or carry

Diamox – Diamox helps the body to breathe faster hence accelerating the acclimatization process. Take it as a preventive medicine and not once you start feeling AMS.

Aspirin/Disprin – Aspirin and Disprin work as blood thinners and enable your blood to carry more oxygen.

Dexamethasone - Dexamethasone also helps in overcoming AMS.

Suggested Quantity – 2-4 mg after every 6 hours

Oxygen Cylinders – One must carry portable oxygen cylinders easily available at the chemist shop to avoid AMS.

Note – These medicines are only a recommendation. Do consult an experienced doctor before taking them. If the symptoms still persists, it’s better to drop the idea of moving further and one should plan to descend to a lower altitude.
Apart from these allopathic medicine, natural remedies like Clove, Garlic and Ginger can be used to alleviate AMS.

Hospitals in case of AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness can hit anybody at higher altitude. Thus, it becomes really necessary to keep a note of nearby hospitals and dispensaries. The Sonum Norbu Memorial Hospital in Leh and Medical Dispensaries at Mulbek, Drass, Sankoo, Trespone, Padum and Panikhar can be sought after incase of AMS.

How to avoid AMS?

The best way to avoid AMS is to acclimatize. To acclimatize perfectly one must plan their travel to Ladakh properly. If you arrive to Leh by air, keep a day free to simply acclimatize. Proper rest must be taken each day. Enough sleep, good food and no exertion will help your body get used to the heights, and low oxygen. If you are planning a road trip to Ladakh do not over exert yourself. The key is to rest your body and gradually let it adjust to the heights and low oxygen levels.

Precautions to take to overcome AMS

As it is said, ‘Prevention is better than cure’. So one must follow certain preventive steps to fight with AMS. Here’s what you can do?

Get a complete physical check up to make sure you have no serious health issues

Rest properly for at least 48 hours

Review the symptoms of mountain sickness so you can recognize and treat them quickly

Maintain proper hydration levels in your body. Drink water frequently. You can also mix it with electrolytes and glucose for the extra energy.

Avoid over-exertion

Ascend slowly

Avoid anti-depressants and alcohol

Stay at bay from over eating

Do not spend too much time at high altitude pass

Sensitive Areas for AMS

Although AMS can hit anybody anywhere but there are some areas where there are high chances of suffering from AMS.